FUNAAB Researchers Develop Predictive Model to Fast-Track Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria

Researchers at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), led by Professors Sam Olufemi Sam-Wobo and Olaniyi Olayiwola, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), have developed an innovative predictive tool aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

In a statement, the Ag. Head, Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, disclosed that the tool, tagged the Prediction Model for Nigeria’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (PM-Nig-NTDs), integrates multiple variable parameters to forecast the 10-year reinfection probability of disease-specific NTDs. He explained that the model was designed as a robust scientific and decision-support resource to enhance national planning for disease elimination while strengthening post-elimination surveillance systems.

According to Mr. Olajide, the PM-Nig-NTDs provides evidence-based forecasting insights that would support policymakers and public health stakeholders in designing targeted, efficient, and sustainable interventions for the control and eventual elimination of NTDs, in alignment with Nigeria’s public health priorities and global health commitments.

He further revealed that the predictive model was formally presented at the 2nd National Monitoring and Evaluation Meeting held from December 11 to 14, 2025 at the Rockview Hotel Royale Abuja, where it received widespread commendation from stakeholders and was described as a major academic and scientific contribution to addressing Nigeria’s public health challenges.

Mr. Olajide added that the National Coordinator for NTDs in the Department of Public Health, Mr. Fatai Oyediran, lauded the FUNAAB research team for delivering the model within the stipulated timeframe. He noted that Mr. Oyediran also disclosed plans at the meeting to domesticate the model across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while encouraging the researchers to expand the framework to include additional case-management and preventive chemotherapy (PC) NTDs.

Mr. Olajide, therefore, noted Mr. Oyediran’s assurance that intellectual property rights issues would be appropriately addressed, and called on participants at the meeting, including State NTD Coordinators, data managers, implementers, development partners, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), to applaud the FUNAAB team for their outstanding contribution to national disease elimination efforts and Nigeria’s drive towards achieving the 2030 global NTD elimination target.